U.S. GREEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES MICHELLE THATCHER AS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

San Diego, CA (December 17, 2013) The U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce (USGCC), a national non-profit organization dedicated to empowering businesses to achieve economic, social and environmental sustainability, today announced the appointment of Michelle Thatcher as its Chief Executive Officer.

Michelle Thatcher

“Michelle’s experience and effective leadership in non-profit management and sustainability make her an excellent fit with the goals of the USGCC”, says Irene M. Stillings, President of the USGCC and Executive Director Emerita of the California Center for Sustainable Energy. “She understands the theory of profitable eco-based commerce, and has excelled translating theory into real-world benefits and a working reality.

Thatcher became a co-founder of the USGCC in 2008 to help communicate information about “triple bottom line” practices that would benefit business owners. Over the years, she has served on local, national, and international boards devoted to sustainability, and has received numerous awards— including the recent “Global Excellence” award at the 2013 Sustainable Brands Summit in Mumbai, India.

Thatcher, an internationally recognized leader and lecturer on sustainable business practices, has played a strategic role in helping to grow the green economy for over 15 years. Prior to her appointment as CEO, she served as National Director of USGCC, Executive Director of the Association of Florida Conservation Districts (a non-profit organization for the state’s 63 Soil and Water Districts), and Executive Director of the Seminole Soil and Water District.

“We are particularly pleased to have Michelle in this position since she embodies a true, working vision of what the Chamber represents,” says Jim Bunch, USGCC Chair. She really does understand how sustainable business practices create an atmosphere for long-term economic success. She not only shares the vision of the USGCC, but she also has the capacity to inspire and motivate. Our members will certainly benefit from her experience and foresight.”

“I’m particularly honored to be chosen as the CEO of the U.S. Green Chamber at this time” says Thatcher. It’s increasingly clear that our traditional resources are no longer finite, but require a more wisely considered ‘management’ that benefits the long-term success of business—as well as that of our natural systems. Businesses do not exist in a vacuum apart from all else. Sharing this message is vital as it gives us the chance to make thoughtful decisions to help shape the destiny of our economy— and our planet.”

About the U.S. Green Chamber — The U.S. Green Chamber is a nonprofit organization that empowers businesses to grow through environmentally friendly, sustainable practices that positively impact our economy and ecology. It helps both established and emerging companies improve operational efficiencies, tap into unexplored markets and explore new opportunities in the green sector. By providing visibility, advocacy, networking opportunities and educational tools, the U.S. Green Chamber brings businesses, government, nonprofits and individuals together to strengthen their success and work towards environmental sustainability and economic prosperity.